[molls57]

My dh and I have been undergoing fertility treatments since March this year. So far we have had no luck. I have been on repronex and have had 3 IUI's . I have learned alot so far but know there is so much more to learn as it is looking like IVF is not far away for me. I having been doing a little research on acupuncture but have not went ahead with it yet. I keep telling myself that it is not needed. After a disappointing appt with my RE a few days ago I think I am ready to try it out. I was just wondering if it will help with my circumstances. I was diagnosed with endo in July. A cyst was found on my right ovary and more endo on my bladder. It was all removed during my lap in Aug. I went back to my RE a few days ago to begin injections of Repronex and attempt the 4th IUI but received news that a cyst was found on my left ovary now. Most likely the cyst is a functional cyst but it stopped my injections this month and I was put back on bc.
I was just wondering if anyone may have similar circumstances and have tried acupuncture. If so just wondering if you thought it helped.
Also, was your RE aware that you were using acupuncture?

me - 24, endometriosis
dh -25, great
ttc -18 months
2/08 - hsg. everything clear
4/08 - 1st appt w/RE after only waiting a couple wks
nothing found wrong
4/08 - 1st IUI w/no meds
5/08 , began repronex, 2nd IUI, 2nd
6/08 cyst found on ovary, began bc pills, began
repronex again after bc pills
7/08 3rd IUI on the 4th of July! resulted
8/08 1st laparoscopy. cyst removed worse than
thought. more endo found. damage to a tube.
Waiting for AF to begin repronex again & 4th IUI
8/08 Injections and 4th attempt at IUI cancelled. Cyst found on my left ovary during my 1st u/s. Most likely a functional cyst. Back on bc and waiting for next month.

[Kell77]

I have been seeing an acupuncturist that specializes in infertility. Although I haven't had a the natural way...we'll see if it works when we have our first IUI this weekend. I was a little nervous at first about trying it, but it isn't bad at all. If anything I find it to be very relaxing. There is a lot of research out there about how acupunture can help with infertility. Have you read the book "The Infertility Cure" by Randine Lewis? This book explains how it works, it was a little over my head in places but gave me hope that it might help. Our Dr. knows that I am having this done-he is impartial to it, but hasn't discouraged be from going, his view is, what can hurt? might as well give it a try. However, I still take what the acupunturist says with a grain of salt. I'm not big on taking medication and she likes for me to take herbs and wanted me to start a baby aspirin, which Dr. did not want me to do. She also thought I had a thryoid problem, which b/w indicated I did not, so as I said, I am finding it relaxing and that is a big help. I think it's worth trying, especially with all the money were spending, something as simple as sticking needles in the right spot might help!

[jana]

I have been doing acupuncture since March with someone who specializes in fertility. My first cycle didn't work, but my second cycle resulted in a pregnancy (m/c at 11wks.). The first visit I had she did a meridian test. The test allowed her to tell where my energy paths were disrupted. I don't know that I'll continue with it this next time around. We shelled out about $1400 for treatments (5 months), and my acupuncturist is taking a sabatical for awhile. Good luck to you!!

[Krista]

I haven't had my BFP yet, but I have just seen 2 different studies that show how stress can affect our bodies ability to get PG, but relaxing just 30 minutes a day can cancel out the stress (meditation, yoga etc).

That said, accupuncture is at the very least relaxing and for many is covered by insurance. I had 2 treatments this cycle before my IUI yesterday. I'm also spending 30 minutes every day doing meditation. As far as I'm concerned anything I can do to up my chances are a very good thing.

[molls57]

Thanks for the information. I actually called and made an appointment today. I have my first appt tomorrow. I am getting excited about trying it. Being on the pill makes me feel hopeless like nothing is being done. Hopefully this treatment will lift my spirits otherwise it will be a long month. I am so stressed right now. If anything you all said it seems to help with stress. I need some time to just relax by myself and be able to have positive thoughts. The staff there I have heard is very friendly and I could tell that when I called to make the appt today.
Still nervous but ready to give it a try!

[Sagermom]

Hi, I wanted to pipe in as I've been doing the acupunture thing off and on for 2 years. Although I did not get pregnant, it did regulate my cycles to the point I felt 12 again (so something is working there) and in the process of spending a fortune on it, it cured 3 long-term ailments, including one that I was told I needed surgery to fix. But I'm really responding the BC issue. I did 6 IUIs before discovering acupuncture. The first thing I learned was how detrimental BC pills are to your cycle - if you get a cyst, a month or 2 of acupuncture treatments will rid you of it; however, if you get a cyst and your doctor puts you on BC pills - all you are doing is suppressing ovulation, which throws your cycles off whack, and you're basically backtracking instead of moving forward. I'd also like to add, that since I've discovered acupuncture and swear by its benefits, I am leary of using ANY doctor that would not reccomend or work with acupuncturist. I say find a new doctor, because at this point, a doctor that isn't promoting acupuncture is a close-minded doctor, and that is not what you need in this rollercoaster of infertility. Also, it can be costly after awhile, so make sure you are going to a fertility specialist - they all say they treat infertility, but that doesn't mean they all REALLY treat it, they're just doing the basics.

[molls57]

Well I made it to my first appt for acupuncture. It was really quite interesting. I did not have a whole lot done today. Mostly a meet and greet and tell me what your problems are. I am being optimistic. The entire staff there seems really great. Very sympathetic and ready to tackle my issues. I need that right now. I have not been feeling that way at my RE office lately.
I think I will tell my RE office about the acupuncture treatments at my visit next month.
I have another appt tomorrow with the chiropractor!